Radiant skin highlighted by bright teeth and a glowing presence are looks typically sported only in the summer months, fading away as soon as school starts.
However, this appearance can be extended into the winter months by one simple solution: tanning.
According to the Tanning-Advisor website, tanning came into vogue by accident. As long ago as the Greek and Roman empire, societies valued pale skin and would go to great lengths to achieve this desired complexion, Tanning-Advisor explains.
Tanning-Advisor cites that it wasn’t until 1923 when French designer Coco Chanel exhibited tan skin that it became a fashion trend, its popularity shifting between eras and reaching its peak as the new millennium began.
SC Wash & Tan employee Simone Babylon said high school students tan because it’s convenient and cost-effective.
Students claim to tan for a variety of reasons, including junior Anthony DiGiannatoni, who said that he visits the tanning salon two or three times a week.
“Laying in a tanning bed is very relaxing and makes me feel less stressed,” DiGiannitoni said.
The Tan Pro website supports DiGiannitoni’s notions that tanning results in a more satisfied state of mind.
According to Tan Pro, Seasonal Affective Disorder causes symptoms of depression, which increase during the winter. Tan Pro explains that tanning’s ultraviolet rays cause the effects of SAD to recede and tanning regularly boosts a person’s spirits.
Senior Alex Pammer believes that tanning allows her to be more self-confident.
“I like having color, I feel more confident when I’m not pale,” Pammer said.
DiGiannitoni said that there are other benefits to tanning.
“I also like to go [tanning] because I’ve heard it helps with skin problems such as acne,” DiGiannitoni said.
Babylon reinforces DiGiannitoni’s statement.
“It’s factual that tanning can clear acne,” Babylon said. “Your face usually breaks out when it is greasy. The UV rays help to dry out the skin so that in the process, pimples disappear.”
Babylon refutes the statement that tanning can lead to long-term damages.
“Many people believe that tanning is dangerous no matter what,” Babylon said. “But SC Wash & Tan follows a plethora of safety measures in order for the customer to have the safest tanning experience possible.”
The company provides safety goggles, tanning solution and sets a maximum time limit for the customer, according to Babylon. It also requires that the client complete a three page survey so the employees will know the correct type of bed to put them in. This information also indicates how long the client should spend in the tanning bed, Babylon added.
Despite the risks of tanning, DiGiannitoni said he is not worried about his health.
“I’m hardly worried about the cons of tanning,” DiGiannitoni said. “If I see something weird on my skin like skin cancer, I will go to the doctor right away and then I’ll be fine.”
Pammer says that, like DiGiannitoni, she used to be an avid tanner, tanning approximately two to three times a week. However, she reduced her frequency to once a month after considering the serious health risks.
“I used to go way too much, but now I go less often because I realized the damage it can do and it’s really scary,” Pammer said.
Published October 2007. Digitized 2025.
